The times are changing

January 2025-waste to be removed, (Management have come to inspect. Dad and Jamie)

Those of you who know me will know that through a marriage break-up I have returned to live in Devon after about 18 years of living in Essex, Chelmsford. When I left Devon I was a young man looking to gain a trade in horticulture. Over the years I gained a lot of knowledge, skills and equipment to manage gardens in the Essex area. At the time of the photo’s above my back was still not in good shape, and I had been struggling to walk and move for two years. I do not have a van or a car to move large amounts of waste, and I have lost all my gardening equipment and machinery. Successfully growing fruit and vegetables will require that I adapt to my new situation. Music has become my primary focus and being neurodiverse (ADHD, Autistic), balancing between the two as well as functioning in everyday life can be challenging. Hyperfocus on single tasks, and perfectionism can at times freeze me, and I end up doing nothing.

Maintenance King.

Enter the ‘Maintenance King’, two Devon born and bred men with a passion for gardening, a can do attitude with energy and self motivation. Self pity to all that I have lost, and frustration of having to start all over again could have limited progress on my allotment. Embracing the unknow path, using past experiences running my gardening business to develop my musical career and allotment. Realizing I don’t have the big machinery I used to have, maybe in the future I won’t create more waste than than I can deal with. I can only take small bag loads to the tip. In the same way I have adjusted to not having a car, if I can’t get there- I won’t go. Temptations to revert to the old are put to the side.

Embracing new adventures into the unknown

Lessens have been learned from my career as a gardener, and with limitless options available to create music I again am learning to be content with what I have. There is always better equipment available, my techniques will always have to be improved in singing and playing instruments. Each moment is to be enjoyed, and I am thankful for what I have now and I want to give joy to those around me through my growing plants on my allotment and creating music each day.

The end of January 2025, the allotment is beginning to take shape, and although there are a lot of tasks ahead to be completed, we can dream of what will be this growing season.